H2: the Playoff Format of the PGA Championship
H3: Three-Hole Aggregate Session
If a playoff is needed to determine the winner of the PGA Championship,the PGA of America employs a three-hole aggregate session. In this format, if two or more players are tied after 72 holes of regulation, they will compete over three additional holes with the player producing the lowest total score winning. If players are still tied, sudden death is implemented.
H4: instances of Playoff in PGA Championship History
This format (previously just sudden death) was first used at Valhalla in 2000 when Tiger Woods defeated Bob May. There have been 13 playoffs since the PGA Championship became a stroke-play event in 1958. Here’s a look at some instances when the current format was needed to hand out the Wanamaker trophy:
- 2022: Justin Thomas def. Will Zalatoris, Southern Hills CC
- 2011: Keegan Bradley def. Jason Dufner,Atlanta Athletic Club
- 2010: Martin Kaymer def. Bubba Watson, whistling Straits
- 2004: Vijay Singh def.Chris DiMarco and Justin Leonard, Whistling Straits
- 2000: Tiger Woods def. Bob May, Valhalla Golf Club
This year’s PGA Championship will be contested from May 15-18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
As for other men’s major playoff formats: The Masters uses sudden death, The U.S Open uses a two-hole aggregate, The Open uses a four-hole aggregate.